Leandro Metz

Get to know your colleagues a little bit better. Our “5 questions for…” travels around the globe from one colleague to another. Every colleague will answer the same questions.

Tell us about your work environment. What does it look like? 

My work environment is a mix of travel and office work. I regularly visit customers, distributors, and partners across the EMEA region to discuss technical topics and support projects. When I’m not traveling, I work from our office in Weesp, where I collaborate with colleagues on technical discussions and internal alignment.

I enjoy this setup because it keeps the job dynamic: one week I might be in a tannery discussing a process, and the next I’m working with colleagues in Weesp to solve a technical challenge.

What do you do in a day?

Since it’s only my first few weeks, I’m still getting familiar with the rhythm of the role, so there isn’t a fixed routine yet. I usually start the day by checking my agenda and reviewing emails to understand the main topics and priorities. After that, I grab a coffee and start responding to what needs my attention. From there, I spend time looking at the projects we’re working on, getting a better understanding of their status and priorities, and connecting with colleagues to align on next steps.

Leandro Metz

Sales Manager EMEA

What is your favorite leather item, and why?

My favorite leather item is my leather jacket. It was a gift from my wife when we were still dating, and it has been with me for more than 20 years. Over time, the leather has aged beautifully and is now even better than when it was new.

The jacket is still in great condition. I have actually reworked it twice myself, changing the look and feel of the leather. Today it has a rugged, slightly distressed appearance combined with a more classic cut. The leather has a full hand feel, with a strong memory from the waxes and oils I applied. When you touch it, it makes that characteristic squeaky sound that good leather sometimes has. I simply love it.

What is your favorite project you have worked on so far? Or, if you have just joined the company: what drew you to working at Royal Smit & Zoon?

What attracted me to Royal Smit & Zoon was a combination of factors. It is a company with a long tradition in the leather industry, while at the same time being strongly focused on innovation and the future.

I was also impressed by the expertise behind the products, the consistent quality, and the strong reputation the company has built in the market over many years. Royal Smit & Zoon clearly believes in the leather industry and remains committed to it. That combination of heritage, technical depth, and forward thinking made it an easy decision for me.

What sustainable actions are you taking, at work or in your personal life?

For me, sustainability often comes down to using things for a long time instead of constantly replacing them. My leather jacket is a good example. Living in the Netherlands also makes it easy to get around by bike, so whenever possible we choose to cycle instead of using the car for daily activities.

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